UAAP: Kaye Pesquera returns in the knick of time as UP fans dwindling Final Four hopes

The UP Fighting Maroons ushered back Kaye Pesquera with a streak-busting win over the UE Lady Warriors in a wire-to-wire win, 81-67, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion to snap an eight-game losing streak in UAAP Season 88 on Saturday.

After being sidelined throughout that losing slump, Pesquera impacted the game well to keep the Fighting Maroons within striking distance still of a Final Four spot, even as they currently hold an 3-8 record below the Top 4 in the standings.

In a far cry performance compared to their overtime win over UE in the first round, Pesquera was able to be the difference for the Fighting Maroons.

“I think it's because of the player beside me, one of the key factors,” said head coach Paul Ramos, referring to Pesquera.

“During the first quarter and second quarter, he became our leader inside the court. So it changed the confidence level.” 

Pesquera finished with nine points on 4-of-6 shooting. She also had four rebounds, one assist, and one steal.

[READ: UAAP: Louna Ozar flirts with triple-double as UP holds off UE for third win]

She was a key contributor, playing almost 20 minutes in her first game back since their first two games of the season — which coincidentally, where the last times UP came out on top against their opponents.

Now that she’s gotten back on her feet, Ramos hopes that her presence is enough to propel the team — especially mentally, after going through one of the roughest patches in their last couple of seasons. 

“Obviously, it's hard to learn how to win a game again when you've been losing so many times. So even the players, we are all helping each other stay positive and staying hungry for that win,” said Ramos. 

“Because if you constantly lose, you get those self-doubt. And when it develops into a belief, that's the very hard thing to change. So I'm happy that at least we got this win. Hopefully, it can propel us to our next games,” he added.

A bigger impact

For Pesquera herself, it was a welcome development to finally get things going on court.

Forced to watch from the sidelines during the tough stretch for UP, she was raring to go for the Fighting Maroons.

“Happy po ako kasi nakabalik na po ako. I hope na maging healthy po ako sa remining games, last three games,” said Pesquera. 

“Before kasi, parang yung only way na makakatulong ako sa kanila is to trust them and to cheer them. Pero hopefully na magiging healthy ako.”

Pesquera aided UP’s offense which also continued to lean on Camille Nolasco. The sophomore guard finished with 16 points, four rebounds, three assists, and one steal while Achrissa Maw added a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Player of the Game Louna Ozar had an all-around game of 10 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, and four steals in the victory.

UP hopes to continue their momentum when they face the Adamson Lady Falcons next on Sunday, November 16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.

Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.